Japanese Culture

Sumo Wrestling

• 2,000 years old• Rikishi- wrestler enter a heya mid teens to train where they

must live with their trainer and his wife • Sekitori- highest level of rank for a rikishi- only they are

allowed to wear the knot on top of their head • Each level winner is rewarded (money): the higher the

rank the more money they win• Rules are simple, the first to step outside the ring loses---

matches last a few seconds, no more than a minute• Sponsorships, generous donations from fans are common

in the sport

Opening Ceremony: Each rikishi wears a very expensive silk apron provided to him by a fan.

Bonsai

• Definition: A form of artistic expression and reverence to nature in place where limited space allows for few parks. (Growing miniature trees in containers).

• Are actually real trees, not suitable for house plants.

• Can sell for up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Geishas

• Translates to “person of the arts”• First known geisha were men--performed

dances, music and poetry• Extensively trained in art of ancient dance,

singing, playing instruments, tea ceremony, dress (kimono), calligraphy and flower arranging

• Two most famous hanimici (geisha quarters) are found in Tokyo and Kyoto

• Still exist today, but in a minor role--mostly for tourists

Samurai

• Samurai (warrior knights) waged fierce battles for control of the land

• The Samurai was completely loyal to the emperor, who was no more than a figurehead in Japanese society

• Shogun (most powerful samurai)- he controlled all of the land and the people living in it

• Invention of the gun = the end of the samurai

Code of the Samurai

A. The samurai class developed a code of behavior that came to be called bushido

1. “The way of the warrior”

2. emphasized loyalty above all else

3. bravery, self-discipline and honor

4. If this was violated, he was expected to pay a penalty: seppuku (ritual suicide)

Ikebana- The Art of Flower Arranging

• Started by a Buddhist monk in the early 15th century• Recreates elements of nature for the inside- seas, rivers,

valleys and stresses the harmony of vases, stems, leaves, branches and flowers

• Historically, specific guidelines were to be followed using geometric angles

• More modern day examples stress choosing the flowers you like, suitability of those flower choices and an appropriate container (in respect for the guests who will see it)

• This was reserved for the upper class, but was open to more people post WWII

• About 3000 schools and 60,000 teachers• 15 million people practice Ikebana, mostly young women

Japanese Etiquette• Traditionally, Japanese people are polite and reserved

– Tatemae- face you present to the world – Honne- true feelings don’t ignore true feelings – In order to keep a harmonious society, tatemae is very important

• When coming over to someone’s house, bring a gift, an inexpensive food item, but it must be wrapped

• Take off shoes and put on slippers, if you use the bathroom, you must put on a new pair of slippers

• Chopsticks most used form of utensils- if you are having trouble it is okay to ask but they should never be stuck in a rice bowl- only at a funeral

• Eating on the street, yawning and chewing gum in public is considered impolite

Japanese Food

• Shashmi- raw seafood served with spicy wasabi and Sushi- raw or cooked seafood served in vinagered rice with vegetable

• Sushi is very expensive and reserved for special occasions

• Tempora- seafood and vegetables dipped in batter and then deep fried

• Shabushbu- thin slices of beef with sesame sauce, vegetables in a broth

• Yakatori- broiled chicken on a skewer with green peppers, garlic cloves and onions served with a tangy sauce

Education

• Japanese student attend school 5 and a half days a week, 240 days a year

• Schools emphasize the importance of groups • Education taken very seriously, with a focus

on math and science• Juku- cram schools- are very popular ways to

prepare for exams– Students study for years and cram for months to

take the exams • 460 universities and more than 600 junior

colleges and technical schools – very competitive– Graduation from a top university can guarantee a

successful career